James G. “Horse” Johnson, 84, of Owensboro, passed away Tuesday morning, March 26, 2019 under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. He was born November 5, 1934 to the late James J. Johnson and Martha Elnora Johnson. Horse was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for Bell South for 39 years as a cable repairman, splicer, and lineman.
He was a member of Immaculate Catholic Church, a former member of St. Martin Catholic Church and long-time member of the Knights of Columbus. Horse was also a proud union member of the Communication Workers of America and member of the Telephone Pioneers. He enjoyed OCHS Football, UK Basketball, spending time with family and friends and doing charity work, especially cooking thousands of BBQ chickens for numerous charities. Horse was captain of the Telephone Workers Cooking Team that was named Governor’s Cup Grand Champions in both the 1986 and 1987 International Bar-B-Q Festivals. He also spent many years volunteering for the Telephone Worker’s Christmas Wish, Daviess County Lion’s Club, and St. Vincent de Paul. Horse’s sense of humor and kind heart brought joy to all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Eleanor Kurz; brothers, Robert L. Johnson and E. Louis Johnson; and a granddaughter, Paige McKinlie Isaacs.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Joan Johnson; a son, Todd (Kathleen) Johnson of Owensboro; daughters, Robin (Todd) Morgan of Utica, Carla (Mitch) Ellison of Newburgh and Carrie (James) Isaacs of Lexington; grandchildren, Matthew Johnson, Sara (Matt) Lisby, Hope Johnson, Blake Morgan, Ashley Morgan, Jessica Ellison, Lukas Ellison, Will Ellison, Quincy Isaacs and Conner Isaacs; five great-grandchildren; and brothers, Donald J. Johnson of Owensboro and William V. “Bill” Johnson and his wife Diane of Northbrook, IL.
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, March 29 at Immaculate Catholic Church. Visitation on Thursday will be from 4:00 until 8:00 PM, with prayers at 7:00, at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory. Visitation on Friday will be at Immaculate Catholic Church from 10:00 until 11:00 AM.
Private entombment will be at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Christmas Wish, 3301 Frederica St. Owensboro, KY 42301.
Memories and condolences for the family of James G. “Horse” Johnson may be shared at www.glenncares.com.